1 No bones about it, the skeletal system is tough! One of the jobs of the skeletal system is to act as armor for your body's most important organs and tissues. That is the job of your skull, ribs, and backbone. These bones protect the softer tissue underneath them from being damaged. The skull surrounds the brain and keeps it safe when your head hits the ground. Your ribs surround your heart and lungs and keep them from being hurt when a ball hits you in the chest. Your backbone surrounds your spinal cord, a bundle of nerves that connects your brain to the rest of your body.2 Your skeletal system also gives your body structure. It determines your height and the shape of your face. It is a frame for muscles and tendons to attach to. Without bones, all of the soft tissues in your body would fall on top of each other .....For the complete story with questions: click here for printable